Textile manufacturing process and apparatus



Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. BURKHALTER 3,117,598

TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS Filed Dec. 8, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 /m/enfor F/ 6 5 James H Burma/fer By his afforneys 14, 1964 J. H. BURKHALTER 3,117,598

TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS Filed Dec. 8, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 I 0N P AMPLIFIER PATTERN PATTERN GLASS SELECTOR CIRCUITS 75b 75c 76 a 1;

U1 U2 U3 U4 U5 us In us INVENTOR.

James H. Bur/rho/fer BY his affomeys TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS Filed Dec. 8, 1960- 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVBVTOR. James H. Burma/fer BY his affomeys Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. BURKHALTER' 3,117,598

TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS Filed Dec. 8, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 ((11: ran

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TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS Filed Dec. 8, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet '7 7///////// 'lllll/I/h.

INV EN TOR.

James H Bur/rho/ler BY his affomeys AQFMMA M Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. BURKHALTER 3,117,598

TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS Filed Dec. 8, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 READING ATE HEADS SW(I;TCHES 80/ GATE DE S 2a; 8a SWITCHES HEA R1 4 R2 ER2 v R 3 M j; ER3 267 R4 M 2/5 flsj ER4 f 268 I 277 L RECORDE R INVENTOR.

James H. Bur/r/m/fer F/ G /4 BY h/s of/omeys Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. BURKHALTER TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS l2 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Dec. 8, 1960 A QWVMMNRM mm Km QM .0 an hm INVENTOR. James H Burk/m/fer BY h/s al/ameys l fiunm ztu-d M Jan. 14, 1964 J. H. BURKHALTER 3,117,598

TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS Filed Dec. 8, 1960 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 WEAVE PATTERN S WEAVE BOARD 8 INV EN TOR.

James h. Burma/fer BY h/s af/om eys AQMMAAM United States Patent 3 3,117,598 TEXTILE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND APPARATUS James H. Burkhaiter, Mobile, Ala, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Courtauids, Limited, London, England,

a company of Great Britain Filed Dec. 8, 1960, Ser. No. 74,524 17 Claims. (Cl. 139-319) This invention relates to an apparatus and method for producing, in woven form, any desired image or pattern. In particular, it relates to a method and apparatus by means of which a pattern or image may be automatically duplicated in a high-strength woven fabric.

Weaving fabrics to duplicate a given pattern has been known for centuries. Since the beginning of the eighteenth century, the weaving of complex patterns has been done on Jacquard looms.

In jacquard weaving, the desired pattern is formed by lifting (or not liftin specific warp threads and the determination of whether or not a given warp yarn is to be raised for any passage of the shuttle is determined by a punched card. The preparation of such cards is a laborious task and requires an operator to consider each intersection of warp and filling and decide from the pattern he wishes to reproduce and the strength of fabric required, whether the warp or filling should appear on the face of the fabric.

Systems have been proposed by means of which jacquard cards may be punched automatically; or by means of which the loom may be operated directly from the pattern to be duplicated. In such systems, the pattern is laid out on a grid corresponding to the warp and filling lines of the fabric. The grid is scanned by a photoelectric device or the like, and signals are transmitted to the loom corresponding to whether a particular grid square is light or dark. While such prior systems may be useful for simple patterns comprising clearly defined single lines on a contrasting background, they cannot be used to duplicate more sophisticated patterns, e.g. photographs, which are composed of areas in which various shades or tones blend into one another. Moreover, such prior systems do not generally take into account the strength of the fabric to be woven. Thus, where the pattern contains large areas of the same shade, many prior systems give an excessive number of floats. In those systems in which floats have been controlled, the technique has been in general to creat artificially one crossover for every so many ends, regardless of the pattern and regardless of whether that particular cross-over is needed for fabric strength. This tends to given an uneven effect.

Prior systems have also had the drawback that they could not be used economically to produce small quantities of a given pattern; to produce single copies of a pattern would be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, in prior systems the cost of weaving and the time necessary to prepare and set up the apparatus is directly related to the complexity of the pattern, so that to reproduce intricate patterns having subtle tone graduations is time consuming and very expensive.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for operating a Jacquard type loom in response to recorded instructions.

it is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for automatically encoding instructions for Jacquard type looms or like fabric making machines which may be used to duplicate on such machines patterns having subtle tone gradations.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method for preparing operating instructions for weaving machines which will enable patterns to be duplicated with great Bill 7,5 Patented Jan. 14, 13534 fidelity whilst maintaining the strength of the fabric being woven. 4

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for duplicating patterns in woven fabrics which permits greater clarity and fidelity to be obtained than has been possible hitherto.

It is another object of the invention to provide a system for encoding instructions for an automatic Jacquard type loom which is much more rapid than systems previously known.

It is another object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for weaving complex patterns in a Jacquard type loom, in which the cost per unit product of weaving small quantities of patterned fabric down to single copies is only slightly greater than that of weaving large quantities.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for weaving complex patterns in which the weaving cost is substantially independent of pattern complexity.

Other objects will appear clear from a consideration of the following specification and claims.

In its process aspects, the invention includes in a method for preparing instructions for a machine capable of making patterned fabrics wherein a pattern is scanned and the scanning signals are converted into loom operation, the improvement which comprises scanning the pattern to be reproduced as a series of areas at least two warp yarns in width and at least two filling yarns in length.

More particularly, the invention comprises a method for preparing Weaving instructions for looms and like fabric making machines which comprises measuring the shade of a discrete pattern area equivalent to a fabric area at least two yarns wide in the direction of both warp and filling, selecting a class of weaving patterns appropriate to the measured shade and preparing weaving instructions according to the pattern in said class which will produce an acceptable number of floats with respect to areas already woven.

The invention further comprises a process as defined above and including the step of weaving according to the selected pattern.

In its apparatus aspects, the invention comprises a device for reproducing a given pattern in a woven fabric which comprises means for scanning the pattern and for giving signals characteristic of the shade of discrete areas of the pattern, first selecting means for determining the class of weaving patterns to be .used in reproducing each discrete area, said first selecting means being responsive to the signals from said scanning means, second selecting means for selecting from among the selected class, the specific weave pattern to be used for each discrete area, in accordance with the weave patterns used for fabric already woven, and means for recording loom instructions for each specific area to be woven in accordance with the weave pattern selected.

The invention further comprises a device for operating a Jacquard type loom having means for individually manipulating, i.e. lifting or depressing warp yarns, in response to recorded operating instructions, which device comprises a transducer for reproducing said operating instructions as a series of electrical signals, positioning means for placing said lifting or depressing means for individual warp yarns in operating and non-operating position, and means for transmitting said signals to said positioning means.

Preferably the positioning means comprises a plurality of magnetizable members connected to said lifting means, coils disposed about each of said members and connected to the transmitting means whereby said members may be magnetized with a polarity determined by the polarity of the pulse transmitted by the transmitting means, and a movable magnet positioned adjacent said members whereby magnetized members having the appropriate polarity may be moved by movement of said magnet, thus positioning the associated lifting means in lifting and non-lifting positions.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing, partly in side elevation, of the memory drum and pulse initiating elements of a preferred form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the memory drum of FIG. 1 showing the disposition of the writing, reading and erase heads.

FIG. 3 is a plan View of a pulse creating disc shown also in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of another pulse creating disc shown also in FIG. 1.

p FIG. 5 is a schematic wiring diagram of pulse sequencing circuits.

FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of scanning shade measuring and weave pattern class selecting circuits.

FIG. 7 is a schematic wiring diagram of one form of integrator which can be used in the circuits of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating in a general way the pattern class selecting circuits.

FIG. 9 is a schematic wiring diagram showing in detail the weave pattern class selecting circuits shown more generally in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a preferred form of weave board.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a conductor as used in a weave board.

FIG. 12 is a view in vertical section and partly in side elevation, showing the relation of conductors and connectors in the weave boards.

FIG. 13 is a schematic wiring diagram of the writing circuits used in the invention.

FIG. 14 is a schematic wiring diagram of the reading i and erasing circuits used in the invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic wiring diagram of the circuit used in the invention to transmit operating instructions to a loom.

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a Jacquard type loom showing a preferred system for translating instructions recorded in accordance with the invention into heddle settings.

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary plan view showing details of a loom operating device in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a preferred set of weave board connections.

At the outset, it should be pointed out that the present invention consists of two parts, a computer and a loom operating device. The function of the computer is to observe the pattern to be duplicated and to prepare instructions for the loom operating device which will permit the device to set the heddles of the loom in such a way that the desired pattern will be woven. The function of the loom operating device is to receive hte transmitted instructions and to set the heddles positively and expeditiously.

While the computer and operator described herein are preferably used in conjunction with one another, it is possible to use the instructions prepared by the computer for other types of loom operating devices. Similarly, it is possible to use the loom operator described with instructions encoded by some other means. This will be obvious from a detailed consideration of the specification.

In designing any particular computer, it is necessary to know the width, i.e. the number of warp ends in the fabric to be included in the pattern. Conveniently, the number of ends is a power of two (2); and in the specific embodiment which will be described below, the number chosen is 2 =4096. It will be obvious that many other numbers could have been chosen and this has been selected purely for convenience of illustration.

In the specific system to be described, it is further assumed that the pattern is to be duplicated using two contrasting colors, one in the warp and one in the filling. Obviously, however, many of the principles of the present invention apply to multicolored weaving.

It is characteristic of the invention that the pattern to be woven is considered on a repeat unit by repeat unit basis, rather than on a yarn by yarn basis, where a repeat unit is two or more yarns in the direction of both warp and filling. This is necessary because the ultimate question for which the loom operating device must be instructed, namely is this particular heddle to be raised, depends not only on the shade desired in that portion of the pattern, but on the history of the cloth previously woven. Every yarn, both warp and filling, must be interlaced over not too long an interval in order that the fabric have proper strength, and this cannot be done (except by some completely arbitrary measure) by considering the weave on a yarn by yarn basis. In accordance with the invention, it is done by choosing a definite repeat unit (11 yarns in filling by n yarns in the warp), identifying the possible weave patterns for such repeat which will (a) give the desired shadings required, and (b) be consistent with required fabric strength, and preparing the loom operating instructions from a sequence of these weave patterns.

For convenience and ease of understanding, the repeat unit used in the specific system to be described may be termed a modified 4 X 4. Scanning of the pattern for shade or tone is done in areas corresponding to four yarns wide and four yarns long. However, in judging the character of the interlacing necessary for strength, the computer considers an area 16 X 16, i.e. 16 yarns wide and 16 yarns long. Obviously other repeat units can be used if desired and it is not intended to limit the invention to this particular system.

The invention will be further described with reference to the drawings.

Referring first to FIG. 1, the basic element of the computer is a rotating member 10. This member comprises a synchronous motor 11 which drives a shaft 12. Each revolution of the motor represents one pick, i.e. the time it takes the shuttle of the loom for which instructions are being prepared to make one complete run across the width of the fabric.

This representation may be at a 1:1 ratio, i.e. the drum may actually make one revolution per pick. Since, however, the computer can run much faster than any loom can operate, the drum will in fact normally be operated to turn several times per pick. For simplicity of description, on the other hand, temporal quantities will be referred to in this application in terms of so much per pick, it being understood that this refers to a representative pick, or one revolution of the drum it}.

On the shaft 12 are fixed two discs 13 and 14. The first disc 13, shown in plan view in FIG. 4, has on its periphery a magnetic projection 15. The second disc 14 (FIG. 3) has 32 such projections indicated as 36.

Adjacent the disc 14 is placed a pickup coil 18. Similarly, adjacent the disc 13, are placed pickup coils 17, 17a and 17b. Preferably, for reasons which will be brought out below, the coils 17, 17a and 17b are adjustably mounted with respect to disc 13, so that they can be moved to various points around the circumference of the disc.

Rotation of the shaft 12 causes the magnetic projections 15 and 16 in discs 13 and 14 to move past coils 17, 17a, 17b and 13, including currents in those coils. Since the shaft 12 revolves once per (representative) pick, one pulse per pick is induced in coils 17, 17a and 171) and 32 per pick in coil 18,

The impulses originating in coils 17, 17a and 17b are sent to pulse formers i9, 1% and 1% where the pulses are modified to give generally rectangularly shaped waves.

3 The resulting currents are then sent through lines 29, Zila and 29b to the pulse sequencing circuits shown in FIG. 5.

The pulses which are generated in coil 18 are likewise converted into a rectangular shaped wave in the pulse former 21. The resulting current is then sent to a frequency multiplier 22 where the 32 pulses per pick generated in coil 18 are increased to 4096 pulses. The resulting current is sent through line 23 to the phase sequencing circuits of FIG. 5. The pulse formers 19, 19a, 19b, and 21 and the frequency multiplier 22 are all standard elements well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail. The pulse formers operate, for example, by amplifying a sinusoidal Wave to saturation and sending the resulting trapezoidal-like wave through a differentiating circuit. Other methods are well known. Standard techniques for frequency multiplication include that of non-linear amplification, followed by filtering to eliminate all but the desired harmonic, or by a chain of such processes.

The purpose of the sequencer circuits of FIG. is to provide six groups of signals, the signals in each group being spaced or phased differently according to the function they must perform.

Referring to FIG. 5, the signal from line 23 which occurs once per warp end or 409'6/ pick is sent to a binary or flip-flop switch 43, which functions to send one pulse to the right, to line 44, the next to the left to line 45, and so on. The line 44 connects to a binary switch 46 and the line to a binary switch 47. In these switches 46 and 47 the pulses are again split, each succeeding pulse received by switch 46 going alternately through lines 43 and 49 and each succeeding pulse received by switch 47 going alternately to lines and 51. The result is that in each of the lines 48 to 51 there is one pulse for every four warp ends, or 1024 pulses per pick. These signals are designated E1 to B4.

A branch 52 is provided extending from line 48, which is the line carrying the E1 signal. This branch 52 is connected to a binary switch 53. The switch 53 functions like the switches 43, 46 and 47 described above, distributing E1 signals between lines 54 and 55. Line Ed is connected to a binary switch 56 and line to a binary switch 57. The binary switch 56 distributes the signals from line 54 alternately between lines 58 and 59. Similarly binary switch 57 distributes the signals from time 55 bv' tween lines and 61. Thus, there are provided in each of lines 58-61 one signal for every 16 warp ends, or 256 signals/pick. These signals are identified as Ea to Ed.

As noted in FIG. 1, a signal is induced in line 26 once per pick. This signal is conveyed to a binary switch 24 which sends it alternately to lines 25 and 26. Line 25 connects to a binary switch 2-7 and line 26 to a binary switch 28. The switches 27 and 28 each have only one active terminal. In the switch 27 this terminal is connected to a line 29 whose purpose will be explained below. In the switch 28 the active terminal is connected to a line 30. Thus, in the line 30 a signal occurs once every four picks. This signal is referred to as VI.

A branch 33 is taken off the line 30 and connected to a binary switch 34. The switch 34 distributes the signals from branch 33 between lines 35 and 36. Line 35 is connected to a binary switch 37 and line 36 to a binary switch 38. Switch 37 distributes the signals it receives between lines 39 and 4%). Switch 38 distributes its signals between lines 41 and 42. Thus in each of lines 39-42, one signal appears for every 16 picks. These signals are referred to as Va-Vd.

The signals which are generated in coils 17a and 17b and carried in lines 29a and 2%, are like the signal generated in coil 17 and transmitted through line 29, in that they occur at a frequency of l per pick. They are, however, out of phase with respect to the signal in line 2 and with respect to each other.

The signals in line 259;: are carried to a binary switch 24'. The switch 24 distributes them between lines 25' and 26'. Line 25 leads to binary switch 27' and line 26' leads to a switch 23'. Switch 27' distributes the signals it receives between lines 29' and 35). Switch 23 distributes its signals between lines 31 and 32'. Thus, in each of lines 2932' a signal occurs once every four picks. These signals are designated V1-V4.

The signals in line 231) are carried to a binary switch 24". The arrangement of switch 24 and its related switches 27 and 28" is exactly that described above for switches 24-, 27 and 28'. The net result of this circuitry is to produce one signal in each of lines 29" to 32 once every four picks. These signals are referred to as V1 to V4".

For reasons which will appear more clearly below it is necessary that one signal from each of the groups Ec-Ed, V1-V4 and V1"-V4" be effective at all times and that the V1 signal when given (once every four picks) endure for one pick. Now the pulses generated in the unit 19 and supplied through lines 26, 26a, 26b and 23 are of less than 4 of a pick duration, and since, for example, a pulse is directed to lines 39-42 only once every four picks, it is obvious that some further provision must be made if a signal is to be maintained in lines 39-42 at all times. The same problem arises in connection with the ELI-Ea, V1, V1-V 1 and V1"-V4 signals.

To solve this problem, positively actuated gate switches 9a-9q are provided to which lines 32"-2", 32-29, 42-39, 3% and 61-58, respectively, are connected. A common line 6 is provided and branches 8a-8q are gated through the switches fizz-9g. Thus when, for example, a pulse is sent to line 58, switch 9g is closed, permitting current to flow through branch Sq, giving a continuous Ea signal.

it is not desired to have two signals in any of the groups Ea-Ed, Va-Vd, V1-V4 and V1"-V4" activated simultaneously. Moreover, it is desired to terminate the V1 signal after four picks. To secure this operation, the switches 9aq are selected to be positively acting, i.e. once opened or closed they will remain opened or closed until a contrary signal is received. Such switches are commonly available. To provide opening signals for switches 911-9 jumpers 7a-7p are installed.

Jumper 7a connects line 32" with switch 9/); 7b connects line 30 with switch 90; connects line 31" with 9d and 7d connects line 29 with 9a. Similarly, jumper 7.e connects line 32' with switch 9 7f connects line 36' with 9g; 7g connects 31' with 971 and 7h connects line 29' with 9e. In like manner, jumper 7i connects line 42 with switch 9]; 7 j connects line 40 with 9k; 7k connects 41 with 91 and 71 connects 39 with 9i.

The switch 9m is opened directly by a signal from binary switch 27 delivered through line 29.

Jumper 7m connects line 61 with switch jumper 7n connects line 59 with switch 9p; jumper 70 connects 60 with 9g and 7p connects 58 with 9n.

tAS an illustration of the functioning of the system, assume switch 9q has been closed by a signal from line 58. A circuit is then established through Sq. When, however, a pulse is directed through line 60 and jumper 70, the switch 9g is opened cutting off the signal Ea in line 8g. Similar arrangements are made for the other switches 911-91 and 9n-9p. As noted above 9m is opened directly by a signal from line 29.

Reviewing once again the sequencing circuits of FIG. 5, it will be seen that an E1 through E4 signal occurs once for every warp end. Similarly, there is one Ea-Ed signal for every four warp ends. A V1 signal is given once every four picks and is held for 1 pick. There is one sig nal in each of the series V1 through V4 and V1" through V4" for every four picks and there is one signal in the series Va through Vd for every 16 picks.

Each signal in the groups Ea-Ed, V1-V4, V1"-V4" and Va-Vd is maintained until it is succeeded by the next signal in that group.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the pat- 7 tern to be duplicated is scanned by an iconoscope. Obviously, however, other scanning instruments may be used. For example, if the pattern shows areas differing in conductivity, a device sensitive to those differences could be used.

In the preferred embodiment to be described below, the iconoscope operates in response to the signal V1, occurring once every four picks. The iconoscope scans a section of the pattern corresponding to a fabric length of four picks. As it moves across the pattern in the direction of the filling threads, it produces a series of signals characteristic of the tone or shade of the pattern being scanned. When it reaches the end of the pattern, (having traveled the distance in the time interval corresponding to 1 pick) it is automatically reset and moved down the pattern a distance of four picks, to await a new V1 signal.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the signal V1 is transmitted to the iconoscope 62 through lines 8d and 62a. The signals from the iconoscope are transmitted through a line 63 to an amplifier 64. The amplified signal is transmitted from the amplifier 64 through a line 65 to an integrator 66. The signal E1, occurring once every four warp ends, is also fed into the integrator 66 through line 43. The integrator 66 averages the shade impulses delivered from the iconoscope through line 65 every four ends, the signal E1 causing the integrator 66 to be reset every four ends.

Detailed functioning of the integrator 66 is shown more clearly in FIG. 7. Referring to that figure, the line 65 from the iconoscope is taken through resistor 669 and a charge is built up on a capacitor 661. The values of the resistor 669 (R) and the capacitor 661 (C) are selected such that RC t, where t is the time interval between E1 signals.

The E1 signal is introduced through line 48 and flows through a pulse delay device 662. After a slight delay the E1 signal is transmitted to a gate switch 663, which is caused to close for a brief time, and then reopen.

The E1 signal is also transmitted via a delay device 664 to a normally open gate switch 665. The gate switch 665 is thereby closed for a brief interval.

E1 signals are further transmited to binary gate switches 666 and 667. These switches are arranged, so that, for example, on one E1 impulse, switch 666 wiil connect the line 668 from gate switch 663 to line 669 and on the next E1 impulse to the line 670.

Similarly, switch 667 connects lines 670 and 669, alternately, to ground, the arrangement being that line 670 is connected to line 668, via switch 666, when line 669, is connected to ground via switch 667.

As noted, when a signal from the iconoscope in line 65 is transmitted through resistor 66%, a charge builds up on the capacitor 661. When an E1 signal is transmitted through delay device 662, closing switch 663, a pulse which is proportional to the integral of the iconoscope signal over the period since the last E1 signal is transmitted into the line 668. The switch 663 then opens and the switch 665 closes, fully discharging capacitor 661. After an instant, switch 665 again opens and a charge begins to build on the capacitor 661.

The signal in line 668 passes through switch 666 and, assuming the switch is on the left setting, is transmitted into line 669, where it builds up a charge on capacitor 671. Capacitor 671 evenly discharges through resistor 672 into the line 67.

When the next E1 signal occurs, 666 and 667 are reversed and the new charge built up on capacitor 661 is transferred to capacitor 673 whence it is fed evenly through resistor 674 into line 67.

-As the result of the operation just described, a series of signals is delivered from the integrator 66 to line 67, each of which is proportional to the average shade detected by the iconoscope in an area four yarns wide and four yarns deep. This signal is fed through the line 67 into a system of circuits identified in FIG. 6 as pattern class selector circuits. The purpose of these circuits is to choose a specific class of weave patterns which will correspond to the shade indicated by the iconoscope as corresponding to the particular area of the pattern being surveyed at the moment.

The class selector circuits comprise a series of gate switches which for the present repeat system (modified 4 x 4) are 15 in number. These switches are identified in FIG. 6 as 68:: through 680. These gate switches are arranged in parallel and the signal from line 67 is fed into each of them through common line 69 and lines 70a through 700. A standard voltage is also delivered to the selector circuits through line 71. This line 71 contains a series of resistors 72a through 720. Feeders 73a through 730 are connected from the line 71 on the downstream side of the resistors to the gate switches 68a through 680. The switches are arranged so that if the strength of the signal through lines 70a through 700 is greater than the standard signal received through feeders 73a through 730, the signal received from lines 7011-700 will be passed into lines 74a through 740. If, on the other hand, the standard signal is stronger than the signal received from lines 700-700, the latter is not passed through the switch. It will be observed that because of the increasing resistance in the line 71 as one moves from right to left in FIG. 6, a veiy weak signal will only be transmitted through the switch 68:: to the line 74a and will not be permitted to pass through any of the other switches.

Since it is desired to have only one signal emerge from the selector circuits, a series of lock switches 75a through 7511 is provided for locking out all weaker signals than the strongest one passed through a switch in the 68 series. Thus, for example, if a signal is received which is passed through 680 into line 740, it also will be strong enough to pass through switches 68a-68n. To prevent such multiple signals being transmitted, a signal in line 74-0 is transmitted to the switch 7512 through a line 7611, opening said switch and preventing the signal which is being transmitted through switch 681: being transmitted further. Similarly, signals in lines 74114412 open switches 75a75m.

The net result of the occurrences just described is that in one of the fifteen lines 79a through 790, corresponding to inputs 79(1-700, a signal is transmitted which is characteristic, to the extent permitted by 15 choices, of the shade of a particular 4 x 4 area surveyed by the iconoscope.

Since we are concerned with a two-color weaving system, the fifteen shade signals of lines 7%:2-790 can be divided into two series of seven, plus one. To explain this further, consider that the system comprises black warp threads and white filling threads. If the signal from the iconoscope indicates that a given area is 75% black, this indicates that 75% (more or less) of the black warp threads are going to have to show on the face of the corresponding area in the finally woven fabric. However, the back of the same fabric area will be 75 white. Thus, the color of any woven area can be denoted by the proportions of either yarn appearing in one face plus a polarity (or face) designation.

The remaining circuitry of FIG. 6 is devoted to converting the 15 tones or tone signals in lines 79a-790 into 8 tone signals plus two polarity signals.

Thus each of the lines 7911-790 is connected to the grid 830 of one of a series of duplex triodes 8362-830. A line 84 having a positive voltage impressed thereon is attached to the plates 831 and 532 of each triode. The cathodes 833, 834 of each tube are grounded through appropriate load resistors. The cathodes 833 of tubes 83:1-635 are also connected to a line 85 and the cathodes 833 of tubes 83i830 are connected to a line 87.

The cathodes 834 of tubes 83a-83g are connected to lines 861-865;. The cathode 334 of tube 8312 is connected to a line 8611. The cathodes 834 of tubes 83i-830 are connected to lines 86i-860, which lines are in turn connected to lines 86g-86a respectively, i.e. line 860 is connected to line 86a, line St to line 86b etc.

When a signal is transmitted to one of the lines 7951-790, the grid 839 of the corresponding tube in the series 83(1-830 is charged, permitting current to flow through the tubes, conventionally from line 84 to one of the lines 8651-860 and one of the lines 85 or 87. If the original signal occurred in lines 79a-79g a signal is thus transmitted to one of lines 86a-86g and also to line 85. If the original signal occurred in lines 79i-790 a signal is transmitted to one of lines 86a-86g (through one of lines 86i-860) and also to line 87. If the original signal occurred in line 79h, a signal is transmitted to line 86/1 but no signal is given to either of ines 85 or 87.

The signals in lines 8651-8611 are referred to below as U1-U8 signals. The signal in line 85 is referred to as an A signal and that in line 87 as a B signal.

Signals U1 through US are used to select the class of Weaving patterns corresponding to the particular 4 X 4 shade detected by the iconoscope. In accordance with the invention, all the possible ways of Weaving each of the eight shade variations referred to above over a 4 x 4 repeat unit, so that there is at least one interlacing of Warp and filling for every 16 threads in the direction of both warp and filling, are arranged in 8 weave boards. Each weave board and gate circuits associated therewith is activated by a U signal; thus a signal U1 will activate weave board 1 and its associated gate circuits. The signal U2 wil activate weave board 2 and so on.

The weave boards themselves are merely switch matrices. Each board has 16 input terminals, 16 output terminals and means for connecting each input to any desired number of outputs. As will appear later, the number of connections which are made is used to determine the number of warp yarns raised and hence the shade of the pattern which is woven.

The detailed construction of the weave board is shown most clearly in FIGS. 10-12.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, each Weave board consists of a base sheet 88 of insulating material such as vulcanite, a synthetic resin or a ceramic. The base sheet has 256 sockets 93 extending from its top face 89 to its bottom face 98. These sockets are arranged in a square, 16 sockets to a side.

A first series of parallel conductors 91 is fixed to the top face 89 of the base sheet, by means of adhesive or other convenient means. These conductors are simply strips of metal, e.g. brass. As shown in FIG. 10 each conductor has sockets 92. The conductors are placed on the sheet so that the sockets 92 match the sockets 93 of the base sheet. The conductors are made somewhat longer than the base sheet is wide so that they extend beyond the base sheet. They have eighteen sockets, the end two sockets being available for the connection of wires.

A second series of conductors 94, identical with the conductors 91, are attached to the bottom face 98 of sheet 88. The conductors 94 are mounted to lie in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the conductors 91. Their sockets 94a are positioned to match the sockets of the conductors 91 of the first series and those of the base sheet.

A number of connectors 95 are inserted in the aligned sockets of the conductors and the base sheet. These connectors are made of a conductive material, e.g. brass, and may be brass bolts, held in position by nuts 96 (FIG. 11), or by any other convenient means.

The number of connectors inserted will vary from one weave board to the next and depending on the number of connectors any one of the conductors 91 can be connected to any one of the conductors 94, or all of them.

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the lines 86a-86h is connected to the gate circuits for one weave board.

10 From the gate circuits 16 input lines, indicated generally as 181 in FIG. 8, connect to the weave board. Similarly, 16 output lines, indicated generally as 102, are led away from each weave board. Into the gate circuits are also fed signals E1-E4 and Ea-Ed.

FIG. 9 illustrates in more detail the functioning of the weave boards and their gate circuits. Referring to FIG. 9, assume that a U1 signal has been generated, activating weave board 1. As shown in FIG. 9, this signal is transmitted from line 86a. through lines 183 and 104 to lines 195 and 186 and thence to gate switches 107, 168, 189 and 110. These gate switches are chosen so that once closed they will remain closed for a period of time sufficient to obtain another U signal, i.e. for four warp ends. Assume further that we are in the part of the cycle during which an Ea signal is effective. The Ed signal enters the U1 gate circuits through a line 150. It is transmitted through the gate switch 107 to the line and the lines 116, 117, 118, 119, and 125, closing gate switches 126, 127, 128 and 129. Closing of these switches enables them to pass signals E1 to E4 delivered through lines 138, 135, 136 and 137.

As the signal E1 enters the system through line 138, it moves through line 138, passes through gate switch 128 to line 139 and enters weave board 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the line 139 is electrically connected to one of the conductors 140 of the weave board. This weave board has a limited number of connectors inserted in its sockets. The places where the connectors are inserted are shown by Xs in FIG. 9. The E1 signal passes through the conductor 14% until it comes to the first connector 145. The signal travels through the connector to the transverse conductor 146 and thus passes out through line P141. Note that none of the other P lines (to the right of the weave board) receives a signal, since only one connector is inserted in the column farthest to the left in FIG. 9 and this is the conductor to which the line 139 is connected.

The next signal, E2, enters the gate circuits through line 135 and flows through line 147 through the gate switch 126 to the line 148 and thence down to the conductor 149. The conductor 149 is connected by means of a connector only with conductor 15%. Hence, a signal is received in the line P131. When E3 is energized, the signal enters through line 136 and goes through line 151 to gate switch 129. Thence it passes through line 152 to conductor 153. Conductor 153 is connected only to conductor 154; hence, the signal is received only in line 121. When E4 is energized, a signal passes through line 137 through line 155, thence to gate switch 127. From gate switch 127 the signal travels through line 156 to conductor 157. Conductor 157 is connected only to conductor 158. Thus, E4 energizes P111. At this point, four warp ends have been surveyed and Ea. drops out with the energizat-ion of Eb. However, since a new averaging is taking place in the iconoscope circuit at this point weave board 1 may or may not be used. Assuming weave board 1 were used again, the gate switch 108 would be closed since U1 would be received. Gate switches 159, 160, 161 and 162 would be closed by virtue of the Eb signal and as the E1 to E4 signals came in, they would be delivered to P142, P132, P122 and P112. Similarly, if for the next two averaging sequences in the iconoscope circuits, a signal corresponding to U1 were obtained, when E0 was energized, a signal would be obtained in P143, P133, P123 and P113; and when Ed was energized, a signal would be obtained in P144, P134, P124, and P114.

Weave boards 2-8 differ from weave board 1 only in the number of connectors that are inserted. One possible group of weave boards is shown in FIG. 18. In FIG. 18, each small square represents a 4 X 4 group of sockets, as in FIG. 8 and each cross represents a connector inserted. As will appear from FIGS. 9 and 18, the number of connectors increases from weave board 1 to weave board 8. Thus, while for weave board 1 and E1 signal can result in only one output line being energized, in weave board 8, an E1 signal will energize 8 output lines and, therefore, with weave board 8 a greater number of warp yarns will be put on top of the fabric making a more intense display of the Warp color than would be obtained with board 1.

It will be observed that each weave board in the series 1-8 contains all the connections of the weave boards lower in the series. This arrangement is preferable for float control since the boards may be changed every four warp ends while the maximum number of floats must not exceed 15. Phrased another way, weave boards may be changed every n (4) Warp yarns, but each n n(4 X 4) weave pattern must be selected so that no warp or filling yarn is suppressed for all or" the n (4) positions in that pattern unless it has appeared within the preceding n n (12) positions. Hence at least the three preceding 4 x 4 weave patterns have to be considered for float control and a convenient way to do this is to incorporate each less dense board in the more dense ones.

It will be understood that other weave board series than those shown as FIGS. 9 and 18 are possible and may be preferred in some cases. Various systems can be set up simply by rearranging the connectors 95.

Referring now to FIG. 13, assume once again that weave board 1 is being used and that an Ear. signal is in force. As shown above, when an E1 signal comes in, output P141 will be energized.

As shown in FIG. 13, the 41 outputs from each of the weave boards are connected into a single terminal block. In like manner other outputs, i.e. P lines, having the last two digits in common are connected into common terminal blocks. In FIG. 13 these terminal blocks have been designated by the letter C followed by the characteristic last two digits. Thus, P141 goes into the terminal block C41. From block C41, a line 163 leads to a gate switch 164. If the system happens to be in that phase of operation in which Vd is active a signal will be transmitted from line 8a through line 165 to gate switch 164. The gate switch 164 will thus be closed, permitting the signal to be transmitted to the circuits, described below, controlling writing head WR1.

If the system is at a phase such that a V signal other than Vd is energized, no signal will be transmitted as the result of energization of P141 because gate switch 164 will remain open, unless it receives a Vd signal. To illustrate further the function of the Va-Vd signals, let us assume that Va. is the signal being given. As E2 and and E3 are given and P131 and P121 are energized, signals flow through C31 and C21 into gate switches 166 and 167. Because, however, no Vc or Vb. signals have been transmitted to these gate switches through lines 163 and 169 the switches remain open and, hence, the E121 and E131 signals are not transmitted to the writing head.

When, however, E4 is received, P111 is energized and the signal flows through C11, and line 170 into gate switch 171. Gate switch 171 is closed by the Va. signal, transmitted through line 172. The P111 signal thus flows through line 173 to the writing head circuits.

In like manner, when Eb is given, P142, P132, P122 and P112 are energized. Since Va prevails, however, only gate switch 174 of the four gate switches 174, 175, 176 and 177 which feed into Writing head WRZ is closed and hence only the signal in F112 can be transmitted.

Similarly when Be is given only P113 is effective to energize WR3, since only switch 178 of the series 17 181 is closed.

When Ed is given only P114 is transmitted through gate switch 182; gate switches 133-1185 remaining open.

On the other hand, when Vb is active only those weave board output lines whose P numbers are connected to terminal blocks C21, C22, C23 and C24 are connected to the writing heads; when Vc is active terminal blocks 12 C31, C32, C33 and C34 are connected; and with Vd, blocks C41, C42, C43 and C44.

As noted above, in the modified 4 x 4 system being described any of fifteen tones can be described in terms of one of eight weave boards, plus an expression of polarity.

in the description immediately preceding we have assumed that weave board 1 had been selected by a U1 signal in line 86a. It will be observed (FIG. 6) that a U1 signal can be obtained by a signal in line 79a or in line 7%, i.e. by an iconoscope reading indicating a very weak tone (in terms of warp color) or a very strong tone. If the U1 signal originated in line 79a, an A signal was obtained in line 85. If the U1 signal originated in line 790, a B signal was obtained in line 87.

It has already been pointed out that the strongest shade on one face of a woven fabric is the Weakest shade on the opposite face. Furthermore, in terms of weave boards, the weave board having the least connectors will weave an area having the least Warp yarns on the face or the most warp yarns on the back of the fabric. Obviously, therefore, a fabric having the most warp yarns on the face would result if, taking weave board 1, we inserted connectors where none had been before and removed those presently inserted.

The circuitry which will now be described performs a function equivalent to this connector switching. In effect, a B signal (FIG. 6) causes a signal to be given to the writing heads when no signal is transmitted from the weave boards, and cancels out signals when they are transmitted from the weave board.

Referring now to FIG. 13 by sequences already described, signals are transmitted through the weave boards to lines 186-159 leading to writing heads WR1, WRZ, WR3 and WR4, respectively. As shown in FIG. 13, line 186 is gated through a switch 186a; line 187 is gated through switch 137a, line 188 through switch 188a and line 189 through switch 189a. Switches 18611-18911 are opened by B signals carried through lines 191-194 and remain open until closed by a A signals from lines 195-198. Thus when an A signal is given, signals from the weave board are transmitted directly to the approprivate writing heads. When a B signal is given, switches 136(1-18941 are opened and signals from the weave board cannot be transmitted through them to the writing heads.

It remains necessary to make provision for activating the writing heads when no signals are given from the weave boards. To accomplish this branch lines 199-262 are taken off lines 136-189 ahead of switches 186a-189a and are run through gate switches 2113-266 to a second series of gate switches 207-210. The gate switches 293- 2% are closed by B signals delivered through lines 215- 218 and remain closed until opened by A signals delivered through lines 225-228.

Branch line 219 is taken off line 23, (FIG. 1). This branch line carries a current having ewd/pulses per pick. It is gated through switch 229, which is closed with VI in effect. Feeders 235-238 of this line 219 are gated through the switches 2117-210, thence through switches 245-248 and are connected to the lines 186-189 leading to the writing heads WR1-WR4. Switches 207- 210 are normally closed, but are opened momentarily by signals from the weave boards delivered through lines 199-202. Switches 245-248 are closed by B signals transmitted via lines 248-25 2 and remain closed until opened by A signals transmitted via lines 253-256.

Assume now that a B signal is in force and that a signal from a Weave board is received in line 186. Switch 186:: is open because of the B signal (no A signal having been received subsequent to the last B signal). The weave board signal cannot be transmitted to WRI through line and switch 186a. However, the signal is transmitted via line 199 and switch 293 to switch 2117. Switch 2 .17 is thereby opened, preventing the pulse transmitted from line 219 being sent to the writing head. Thus writing 13 head WRI is prevented from gettin a signal at a time when one was transmitted from the Weave boards.

Assume now that another E1E4 pulse is transmitted to the weave boards, but because of the weave board arrangement no signal is transmitted to line 186. In this situation no signal is transmitted via line 199 to switch 2M and this switch remains closed. The puls from line 219 delivered through line 235 is thus transmitted through switch 207. it also passes through switch 245 since a B signal was the last to be received and is carried to the writing head WRl.

It will be obvious that when an A signal is given, switches 2&3 and 245 will be opened preventing any signal except one from the weave boards being transmitted to the writing head WRI.

It will also be obvious that the circuits controlling writing heads WR2-WR4 function in the same manner as those described in connection with WRl.

Thus when an A signal has been given the writing heads are actuated by all Iii-E4 signals transmitted by the weave board; and when no signal is transmitted they are not actuated. When, however, a B signal is given, the writing heads are actuated only when E1434 signals are not transmitted by the weave boards and are kept inactive when E'1-E4 signals are transmitted.

It will be observed (FIG. '6) that when a U8 signal is given, it is unaccompanied by either an A or a B signal. The Writing circuits used will thus depend on whatever circuits were activated last. The result, so far as the woven pattern is concerned, will be the same since the U3 pattern (weave board 8) corresponds to 50% of the warp yarns on the face and 50% on the back of the fabric.

As will appear in FIG. 1, the Writing heads W'Rl, WR2, WRS and WR4, which in construction are similar to those used on conventional tape recorders, are located adjacent drum 22! which is mounted on the shaft 12 and revolves at rate of one revolution per pick along with the shaft 12. The drum 225) has bands 257-215(3 of magnetizable material. The writing heads WRI, WRZ, WR3 and WR4 are located adjacent these magnetizable bands so that when they are energized, an inscription will be left on the appropriate band.

It will be observed that all of the writing heads WRI- WR4 write simultaneously during a Writing revolution. Thus, assume the iconoscope has given a signal which results in a U8 intensity signal being given. Weave board 8 is thereby energized. Assume further that Va is operative and that Ea is also operative. On an E1 signal, P812 and P814 will be energized, causing writing heads WR2 and WR4 to inscribe a positive mark. With an E2 signal, P811 and P813 will be energized, causing writing heads WRl and WR4 to make an inscription. On E3, writing heads WRZ and WR4 will again be used and on E4, writing heads WR1 and WR3. Thus, for a single group of four warp ends, all four of the writing heads are used.

On the other hand, it must also be pointed out that writing is done only once in every four revolutions of the drum. Thus, for operating the iconoscope 62, a V1 signal is necessary. However, V1 occurs only once in four picks and is maintained for only 1 pick. When V1 is cut off, no signal is given by the iconoscope. Hence, there is no U signal, and the weave board gate switches, such as 107-119 (FIG. 9), are open, preventing any of the El-E4 signals being transmitted.

To avoid a signal being transmitted to the writing heads through the line 219, a gate switch 229 is arranged in the line 219 (FIG. 13). This gate switch is normally open and is closed only on a V1 signal, carried to it by line 230.

The reason why no writing is done for three out of four revolutions of the cylinder 201 is to enable the four groups of inscriptions on bands 292-205, which were made simultaneously, to be transcribed in sequence. Thus, as pointed out above, the iconoscope surveys a 14 space equivalent to four filling yarns (or four picks) simultaneously and the weaving instructions for four picks are simultaneously inscribed on drum 220, each writing head corresponding to one pick. However, weaving is done pick by pick and the instructions must be sent to the loom in a pick by pick sequence. The necessary transcription is carried out by the reading circuits shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 14.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, four reading heads R1- R4 are located immediately following the writing heads WRl-WR4 as cylinder 220 is rotated. Immediately following the reading heads are four erase heads ER1ER4.

It was pointed out earlier that the coils 17, 17a and 17b, which generate signals V1, V1-V4' and V1"V4" are movable. These coils are placed so that they correspond spatially to the position of the heads WR1-WR4, R1R4 and ER1-BR4. Thus the signals V1, V1'V4 and V1"-V4" which actuate the writing, reading and erasing functions are in phase with the position of the corresponding heads relative to the drum 220.

As shown in FIG. 14, a V1 signal closes gate switches 239 and a V1 signal closes gate switch 24d), the signals being transmitted to the gate switch 239 via line 261 and to the gate switch 241 via line 262. Closing of the gate switch 239 permits signals picked up by reading head R1 and amplified in an amplifier 263 to be transmitted via a line 264 to a recording device such as a tape recorder 265. The gate switch 240 closed by V1 permits an erase bias signal to be transmitted to the erase head ER1. Thus, as soon as the reading head R1 had completed reading an inscription, it is erased by erase head ER1.

It will be observed that during the writing operation, with V1 and V1 active, only reading head R1 is reading. Since V2, V3 and V4 are not active, gate switches 266, 267 and 268, controlling reading heads R2, R3 and R4, are not closed and, hence, the signals received in reading heads R2, R3 and R4- are not recorded.

When V2 and V2" are made active, V1 and V1" drop out. Writing ceases and reading by R1 and, at the proper time, erasing by ER1 are also stopped. V2 closes gate switch 266 and V2 closes gate switch 269, the signals being sent to gate switch 266 via line 270 and to the gate switch 269 via line 271. With gate switch 266 closed, the signals picked up by R2 and amplified in amplifier 272 flow through gate switch 266 into line 264 and thence to the recorder 265. Similarly, the closing of gate switch 269 permits erase head ER2 to erase what the writing head R2 has just read. In like manner, when V3 and V3 become active, reading head R3 and erase head ER3 are made functional; and when V4 and V4" become active, R4 reads and ER4 erases. When V1 is again made active, writing and reading by reading head R1 are resumed; reactivation of V1" causes erasing by ER1 to be resumed.

A review of the foregoing description will make it clear that the inscription which is placed on drum 220 corresponds to a series of positive inscriptions interspersed with blank spaces. For example, if the band 257 is divided into 4096 spaces corresponding to the 4096 Warp ends, in those spaces where an Iii-E4 signal was directed to WR1, there will be an inscription; if no signal was received by the writing head, there will be no inscription.

It is quite possible to use such a code for loom operation. However, in the preferred type of loom operating device used with the present invention, details of which are given below, it is necessary that there by either a positive or a negative signal for each warp end. It thus becomes necessary to insert negative signals in the blank spaces of the inscription copied from the drum 220.

To accomplish this, a branch 273 is taken off the line 23 (FIG. 1) and sent to an inverter 274. The line 273 carries a signal having 4096 positive pulses/pick.

In the inverter 274- these are converted to 4096 negative pulses per pick. This negative signal is sent via line 275 to a gate switch 276. The switch 276 is normally closed and transmits the negative pulses via a line 277 to the recorder 265. However, positive signals in the line 264 from reading heads R1R4 are sent to the switch 276 via line 278 and serve to open that switch, preventing negative signals being recorded when there is a positive signal to be recorded.

The tape which is inscribed in recorder 265 contains heddle by heddle loom instructions for each warp end across the fabric. Obviously, there are a number of different ways in which tapes of this nature could be used to operate a Jacquard type loom. It might, for example, be used to manufacture punched cards which could be used in the normal way on the loom. A more attractive scheme for loom operation is, however, that shown in FIGS. 15-17.

Referring to FIG. 15, the tape is played through a transducer or reproduction instrument 279 which feeds a series of positive and negative pulses through an amplifier 279a into line 280. The transducer is carefully synchronized with the loom so that exactly 4096 pulses are taken off the tape in the time it takes the loom to weave one pick. As noted above this may or may not be the same speed at which the type was made. The loom and transducer may be synchronized by driving the transducer, through suitable gearing 27911, from the loom drive shaft 400, or by any other conventional means.

The signals from transducer 279 and amplifier 279a are sent to a sequencer 281. Details of the sequencer are not shown in FIG. 15, but are believed obvious from a consideration of the circuits shown in FIG. 5. The

function of the sequencer is to produce 64 signals, each i of which will have 64 pulses per pick. These signals are delivered through the lines k1 to k64 to a series of gate switches s1 to s64. These switches are normally open and are closed only when a signal is received through the k lines. A lead 282 is taken ofi k1 and is delivered to a second sequencer 233. This second sequencer is very like the sequencer 281. It breaks down the 64 pulses per pick which occur in line k1 to a series of 64 signals, each of which occurs once per pick. These latter signals are taken from the sequencer 283 through lines t1 to 164 and are delivered to a series of gate switches ssl to ss64. These latter switches are normally open, but close when they receive a signal from the t lines and remain closed for a period equal to A of a pick.

The gate switches s1 to s64 receive signals direct from the transducer through line 284 and lines f1 to 164. Gate switches ssl to ss64 are arranged on lines g1 to g64, which lines are connected to ground through lines 2-85 and are arranged generally perpendicular to the lines f1 to f64 to form a grid. It will be observed, however, that the lines g1 to g64 are not connected directly to the lines f]. to 64. Instead, across each intersection is placed a coil. The coils are numbered 1C1 to 64(364. A circuit is thus established for the pulses from the transducer 279. This circuit is through line 284 through one of the lines f1. to 764 through one of the coils 1C1 to 64C64, through one of the lines g1 to g64 through line 285 to ground. To illustrate, assume that a signal is received in the line k1. The switch S1 is thereby closed and the signal transmitted through line 284 is permitted to flow through the line f1, the coil 1C1, the line g1 and switch ssl to ground. The switch ssl is closed because the signal in line k1 causes a signal in line 11. The switch ssl remains closed for of a. pick. The switch S1, on the other hand, remains closed for only 4 of a pick. However, while the switch ss1 is closed, the switches s1 to .964 close in sequence enabling each of the coils 1C1 to 1C64 to be energized. The switch ss2 is then closed, enabling the coils 2C1 1% to 2C64 to be energized and so on until each of the 4096 coils corresponding to each of the 4096 Warp ends has been energized. It will be understood that the direction of current flow through the coils 1C1-64C64 depends on whether the impulse in line 284 is positive or negative.

The manner in which energization of coils 1C1 to 64064 functions to set the loom heddles is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional Jacquard type loom whose heddle operating mechanism has been modified in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIG. 16, warp yarns 286 are wound oif a warp beam 287, and woven in the loom proper (indicated as 238). The fabric is drawn out the opposite side of the loom and wound on a cloth beam 289. A conventional reed is shown at 290 and a shuttle box at 291.

In accordance with normal practice, the cloth is woven by lifting selected warp yarns. Thus, heddles 292, 293, 294, 295 and 296 etc. are provided, one for each warp yarn. The heddles are attached to the warp yarns and are suspended by means of cords 297461 to a series of hooks 302-306. As shown, the loom is provided with a housing 307. A board 388 is fitted across the lower portion of the housing. The board 308 has perforations 309 for the cords 2974701 and the hooks, when not raised, rest on the board 303.

A series of needles 315-319 having rings 325329 are carried transversely across the housing, the hooks 302- 396 fitting loosely through rings 325-329.

A griile bar 310 is slidably mounted in the top of the housing 307. It has apertures 3514555 and blades 356- 360. The gritfe bar is moved up and down in housing 307 by cables 361 and 362 which fit over pulleys 363 and 364 mounted in the housing 307. The cables 361 and 362 also pass over pulleys 365, 366 mounted on another portion 367 of the loom and are attached to a rod 368, which is reciprocated once for every pick by an eccentric 491, mounted on the loom drive shaft 400.

The hooks 302-306 are positioned so that when they are vertical, they will be engaged by blades 356360 and raised with the griffe bar 310, raising the heddles and thus the warp yarns. If, on the other hand, they are canted to the right in FIG. 16, they will pass through the slots 351355 and not be raised. As indicated in FIG. 16, hooks 362, 304 and 306 have been raised, while hooks 303 and 305 have not.

Whether or not a particular hook is raised depends on whether or not its associated needle has been displaced to the right. Thus needles 316 and 318 have been moved to the right, while the others have not.

All of the foregoing is conventional and the sole difference in the present system, so far as loom operation is concerned, is the means chosen to move the needles.

Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in FIG. 16 only 5 heddles have been shown, whereas actually 4096 warp ends would require 4096 heddles.

In accordance with the invention, the needles 315, 316, etc. are made of a material such as steel which can be magnetized and which will retain its polarity until magnetized by an impulse in the opposite direction. The needles after passing through the housing 307 are carried in a frame 369. The frame 369 has 4096 nonconducting extensions 370, 371, 372, 373, 374 etc. (FIG. 17), one for each needle. Around these extensions the coils 1C1, 1C2 etc. are wrapped. Thus, when these coils are energized, the needles are magnetized, the polarity of the magnetization depending on the direction of current flow through the coil. 

1. A METHOD FOR ENCODING WEAVING INSTRUCTIONS FOR A JACQUARD TYPE LOOM TO ENABLE SAID LOOM TO REPRODUCE A PATTERN, WHICH COMPRISES MEASURING THE SHADE OF A PATTERN AREA OF THE PATTERN CORRESPONDING TO FABRIC AREAS AT LEAST TWO YARNS WIDE IN THE WARP DIRECTION AND AT LEAST TWO YARNS WIDE IN THE FILLING DIRECTION, TEMPORARILY RECORDING THE SHADES OF SAID AREAS AS A SERIES OF SIMULTANEOUS INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEDDLE MOVEMENT OVER A SPACE OF AT LEAST TWO PICKS AND THEN CONVERTING SAID RECORDING INTO INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEDDLE MOVEMENT IN A PICK BY PICK SEQUENCE. 